Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Legislation aimed at scoring up to $175 million in education funding through the federal Race to the Top program was passed by the Iowa House Friday on a 56-37 party-line vote.
“The initiative we approved today could bring up to $175 million to Iowa K-12 schools to improve student achievement and make sure our kids graduate with the skills they need to compete in today’s global economy,” said state Rep. Roger Wendt, D-Sioux City, who chairs the House Education Committee.
The Iowa Senate passed the measure Wednesday.
The bill would tie teacher evaluations to student test scores and expand charter schools, among other provisions. Current law allows only 20 charter schools, which get taxpayer money like their traditional public counterparts but are free to bend rules in the name of innovation. Critics contend because the charter schools must still be run by school districts changes to the law won’t mean more options for parents.
Several of the state’s largest school districts came out in opposition of the bill over language regarding collective bargaining. The bill would require districts to negotiate with unions on school improvement plans
“After two months of negotiations, I’m extremely disappointed that school boards and administrators from the largest seven districts have walked away from our kids,” said House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque. “Iowans know and trust their teachers to help our kids succeed. If we are going to turn around low performing schools, we need everyone at the table, especially the teachers who work with our kids everyday.”
Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter